Boxwood

Boxwoods may not be the best option for our area. They are susceptible to boxwood dieback, a fairly new disease with little hope for treatment at this time. If you already have Boxwoods, keep them healthy and happy with a regular organic plant care program.

Baby Gem Boxwood Care Guide

Scientific Name: Buxus microphylla 'Baby Gem'
Common Names: Baby Gem Boxwood
Native to: Hybrid of Asian origins
Lighting Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Winter Look: Evergreen; maintains dark green foliage year-round
Drought Tolerance: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil
pH Range: 6.5 to 7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Deer Resistance: Highly resistant
Attracts: Not significant for pollinators
Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested
Potential Issues: Prone to boxwood dieback, boxwood blight, spider mites, and root rot in poorly drained conditions
Notes: I no longer recommend Boxwoods due to widespread boxwood dieback disease.

Scientific Name: Buxus microphylla var. japonica
Common Names: Japanese Boxwood
Native to: Japan and East Asia
Lighting Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 3 to 6 feet
Width: 3 to 6 feet
Winter Look: Evergreen; retains its light green to yellow-green foliage year-round
Drought Tolerance: Moderate; tolerates drought once established but prefers consistent moisture
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil
pH Range: 6.5 to 7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9
Deer Resistance: Highly resistant
Attracts: Not significant for pollinators
Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested
Potential Issues: Susceptible to boxwood dieback, boxwood blight, leaf miners, and root rot in poorly drained soil
Notes: I no longer recommend Boxwoods due to widespread boxwood dieback disease.

Wintergreen Boxwood Care Guide

Scientific Name: Buxus microphylla 'Wintergreen'
Common Names: Wintergreen Boxwood, Korean Boxwood
Native to: Korea and East Asia
Lighting Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Width: 3 to 4 feet
Winter Look: Evergreen; retains dark green foliage, may bronze slightly in cold winters
Drought Tolerance: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil
pH Range: 6.5 to 7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
Deer Resistance: Highly resistant
Attracts: Not significant for pollinators
Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested
Potential Issues: Susceptible to  boxwood dieback, boxwood blight, leaf miners, and root rot in poorly drained soil
Notes: I no longer recommend Boxwoods due to widespread boxwood dieback disease.